BootsnAll Travel Community

do any of you remember all the news stories about how someone with japanese encephalitis came back to the US after spending some time in thailand? she actually recovered and woke up from her coma with no brain damage at all.

well, turns out one of the students in my class is good friends with her. she couldn't remember what parts of thailand her friend went to, but just the fact that she contracted it in thailand is scary (especially considering how many people travel there).

i know that japanese encephalitis cases are extremely rare, but is it rare enough to warrant not getting vaccinated? is it worth the $200 vaccination cost? what do you guys think?

I'll have to do some reading to figure out what this is...

Guessing an infection of the fluid around the brain correct?

Interesting... I've been wondering how worth while such an expensive vaccine would be as well. $200 sounds like an alright deal though. Calling around, I found that one hospital was charing $503 for it! I work at a small doctors office, and to order one vial of it will cost us $325. I'm thanking my lucky stars that I have health insurance. I'm gonna get it. How stupid would you feel if you ending up going into a coma and waking up?!? In the scheme of things, I think $200 would be worth it. Especially if it's not a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend who got it, but just a friend of a friend.

I have recently had my first 2 jabs out of 3 for Jap B, and am pretty glad I decided to go ahead and have them.

I agree they costs a fortune but for me, peace of mind shouldn't have a price tag!

I have had sooooo many discussions and quibbles over getting it, and I don't think I have met anyone yet who hasn't been baffled over the decision. I don't people are either right or wrong for having or not having it.

I've got all my shots for five months in SE Asia, but my GP and 'travel jab center' doctor were both very hostile towards the Japanese B encephalitis inoculation. in fact, it is illegal to bring into Switzerland! I'd have to leave the country to get it.

they said that there is a risk in taking the vaccination and it was not really worth the risk.

anyone else here anything like this?

Stu

I was advised not to get it but I can't remember why. The CDC does not recommend it for the casual traveler to Asia because of the risks of the vaccine.

Apparently there are annual outbreaks in Chiang Mai and sporadic cases in Bangkok between May and October: Seasonal Risk Table